Ds. Abraham Hellenbroek school

For the more than 200 pupils of the Reformed Ds. (Rev.) Abraham Hellenbroek School, a new building was needed. The school building, dating back to 1975, was severely outdated, confusing, and dark. The municipality of Zwijndrecht offered the possibility of constructing a new building, provided it met the current Nearly Zero Energy Building (BENG) standards. This resulted in a surprising design for the school: a transparent and light building where children can easily find their way and feel connected to one another.

An ensemble of four houses 'Around the Village Green'

Organised, small-scale, and transparent—these were the principles guiding the new school’s design. EGM's concept, ‘Around the Village Green’, immediately appealed to the school. In this design, four building sections form a village around a central green, encircled by a transparent corridor. This corridor connects everything, bringing clarity, light, and air into the building. Each age group has its own house, complete with a learning plaza that naturally flows into shared spaces. Every building section is unique, and the chosen roof shapes create exceptional and pleasant classrooms with high ceilings. The design aligns with the school’s vision while offering long-term adaptability.

A feeling of safety and security

The small-scale layout provides the children with a sense of security—a place where they feel seen and safe. While the children are together and engaged with one another, each group has its own dedicated location, identified by a distinct colour. When the bell rings, a maximum of three classes emerge onto one of three smaller learning plazas, preventing children from feeling overwhelmed. The multifunctional gymnasium for the youngest pupils can be easily transformed into a space for events and parents’ evenings using movable walls. The patio is best viewed from the wide, wooden tiered seating, which doubles as both a staircase and seating area. This seamlessly transitions into a large, multifunctional piece of furniture on the learning plaza.

All our wishes have been solved very creatively. Nobody could have foreseen that four buildings would be the result.

Freek van Baarle, Headteacher, Ds. Abraham Hellenbroek School

Sustainability beyond energy efficiency

In addition to meeting BENG standards, the primary school in Zwijndrecht wanted to go further in terms of sustainability and circularity. The gas-free building is equipped with two heat pumps and over 100 solar panels on the roof. The pitched roofs give each house its own character while also contributing to a sustainable, energy-efficient installation, which largely relies on natural ventilation and heat recovery. The building features low-temperature underfloor heating with an aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) system, high insulation values, and minimal waste streams. Air quality is continuously monitored and regulated with CO? sensors. Each house has its own entrance and installations, which can be detached and repurposed if necessary.

Reused materials from the old building

The building’s structure is constructed from wood, with beams and trusses left exposed in each section to create a warm aesthetic. Wood also stores CO? throughout its lifecycle. Furthermore, as many materials and products as possible from the old building were reused, including light fixtures, toilet bowls, sinks, infrared taps, LED panels, suspended ceilings, walls, and pantry units. Additionally, the outdoor area has been greened by 50% compared to the old site, and all playground tiles were repurposed from the previous location.

Natural daylight creates an inviting atmosphere

In the fresh, functional, and atmospheric school building, everything has been logically placed, making it a pleasant working environment for teachers and support staff. Large windows and skylights allow daylight to flood the spaces, creating a natural ambiance. Each classroom features a large window with a wide windowsill where children enjoy sitting and reading. The staff room overlooks the green playground and has a cosy, homely design—an inviting space to relax during breaks and catch up at the end of the day.

Team

EGM Architects: Ádám Petróczki, Darko Andric, Jordy van Driel, Leo Visser, Patrick van Houte, Pieter van Korstanje, Roemer Pierik, Vincent Ketting

Collaborators: IOB Installation Consultancy, R.A. Van Leeuwen Construction B.V., Hoffman DME-Engineering B.V.

^{Photography: Scagliola + Brakkee, J. Mol (aerial photography)}